US President Donald Trump on Wednesday night said that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a Gaza peace plan. Trump announced on Truth Social, stating that all hostages will be freed very shortly. Israeli soldiers will also retreat to a mutually agreed line. The agreement follows several days of negotiations in Egypt between the US, Qatar, Egypt and Turkey mediators.
The Gaza war began two years ago on 7th October 2023. Hamas militants attacked Israel and killed around 1,200 people. They also abducted 251 individuals. Israel has been engaged in fighting ever since. According to the Hamas-held health ministry, a minimum of 67,183 individuals have been killed in Israeli actions, of whom 20,179 were children. Now, both sides have mutually decided to end the fighting and move towards peace.
What the Peace Deal Entails
The initial phase of the peace agenda will witness all Israeli hostages liberated in the next few days. Israel will withdraw their soldiers to a line agreed upon by both parties. The agreement was confirmed by Hamas in a statement, claiming it will stop the Gaza war. It also stated that it will enable the full withdrawal of Israeli troops and permit humanitarian assistance to flow into Gaza. The agreement will also include a prisoner swap.
The foreign ministry of Qatar also confirmed the deal. It said in a statement that the agreement encompasses all the details and arrangements for how the first phase will be implemented. These are the ceasefire, the freeing of Israeli hostages and Palestinian detainees, and access for assistance to Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dubbed it “a great day for Israel” and stated that he will meet with his cabinet tomorrow to sign off on the agreement. He thanked Israeli soldiers and President Trump for their assistance in returning the hostages home.
Trump May Visit the Middle East This Week
President Trump is considering a visit to the Middle East within the next few days. The White House indicated he may travel as early as Friday. Trump has stated that he would be “going to Egypt” and “making the rounds” in the area. When Trump was asked if his visit could also include Gaza, he replied, “I may do that.” The news followed Secretary of State Marco Rubio entering a White House event and handing Trump a note stating that a deal was “very close.”
Rubio leaned over and whispered something to Trump, and Trump seemed pleased with the information. Trump informed journalists that the note indicated that they were close to reaching a deal. Trump departed the event to concentrate on the situation in the Middle East. The White House has been active since the announcement was made, as reporters gathered for additional information. Trump thanked the mediators from Egypt and Qatar, and Turkey for their efforts and referred to it as a “Historic and Unprecedented Event.”
News At Glance
- Trump declares Israel and Hamas agree to the Gaza peace plan’s first phase
- All Israeli captives to be released shortly, and Israeli soldiers to pull out
- The deal follows two years of conflict that killed more than 67,000 Gazans
- Hamas confirms the deal and promises to bring the war to a complete end
- Netanyahu describes it as “a great day for Israel” and will sign off onthe deal tomorrow
- Trump mulling trip to the Middle East as early as Friday
- Qatar, Egypt and Turkey assisted in brokering the historic deal
FAQs
- What will be done to the Israeli hostages?
All Israeli hostages being held by Hamas will be freed very soon under the agreement.
- How long has the Gaza war lasted?
The conflict began two years ago on 7 October 2023 when Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel.
- Will the Middle East be visited by Trump?
Donald Trump is mulling visiting the Middle East in the next few days, as early as Friday.
- Who facilitated this peace agreement?
The US, Qatar, Egypt and Turkish mediators coordinated to achieve this agreement.
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